Settled, paying · closes November 2, 2026
Costa v. Whirlpool, the wire harness defect and who can claim
Last checked July 18, 2026
Costa v. Whirlpool Corp., filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware as case 1:24-cv-00188-MN, has settled. Owners of certain 2018 to 2021 refrigerators sold under the Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and JennAir names can file until November 2, 2026.
The suit alleged a defective wire harness inside these refrigerators, one that eventually cuts power to the ice maker, ice dispenser, water dispenser, or control panel. Whirlpool denied the claims and settled to avoid the cost of a trial.
The defect at the center of the case
The harness carries power and signals to the door-mounted components. When it fails, the fridge still cools but the ice and water functions die and the control panel can go dark. Repairs often meant replacing the door or the harness at the owner's expense once the one-year warranty ran out.
Whether your model is covered depends on its serial number, which the claim site checks against the settlement list.
What is on offer
Relief depends on timing and paperwork. If you paid for a repair, reimbursement runs from 30% to 75% of the documented cost, with the higher end for owners who notified Whirlpool first. Some owners are eligible for a free repair. Where the unit was replaced, the settlement allows up to 50% of the original purchase price.
Status and deadline
The settlement is approved and claims are open through November 2, 2026. Proof is required: the original purchase record and repair or replacement receipts.
Filing with the administrator
Go to refrigeratorsettlement.com, enter the serial number to confirm coverage, then complete the form and upload your purchase and repair documents. The administrator reviews the receipts, applies the reimbursement percentage that fits your timeline, and issues payment after the claim period closes.
Filing is free on the administrator's site. Payout lists this settlement free as well and never takes a share of a payment.
Questions about the Whirlpool Defective Refrigerator case
Which brands are in the Whirlpool settlement?
Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and JennAir refrigerators manufactured between 2018 and 2021, confirmed by serial number on the claim site.
My fridge never failed. Can I file?
The cash and reimbursement options are for owners whose harness failed. Check the claim site for what applies to a unit that has not had the problem.
What proof do I need?
Your original purchase record plus receipts for any repair or replacement you paid for.
When is the deadline?
November 2, 2026. Claims submitted after that date are not processed.
There are more like this open right now
Payout tracks the whole docket and files the settled ones you qualify for. Free.